Disney World Marathon

 Kerry McCarthy shared her experiences of running the Disney World Marathon in the April 2013 issue of Runners World (this is where I heard about this race).  McCarthy's race included plenty of Disney character action, including being chased by a cutlass-weilding Captain Jack Sparrow.  Highlights of the marathon include:

• Mickey Mouse's startline speech
• Starting line fire works display
• Disney tunes playing on loud speakers throughout the course (although maybe there are only so many times one could hear "Its a small world" in the course of a marathon
• Gospel choir stationed a km from the finish to boost you the final distance.
• Special Disney medals
• Closing ceremony in the park after it has closed for the day

McCarthy was amazed by the huge crowds of spectators and supporters that cheered on every runner "they roar you on, making eye contact and giving you personal encouragement at the top of their voices" (this sounds like an excellent reason to do this race all on its own!).  Spectators "even jump out onto the course and run with you if they feel like you need a boost, as well as waving halarious placards that they've spent ages making for every runner taking part". God bless American spectators!

One of the highest-highlights of McCarthys race included "laughing at the 30km mark where a troupe of characters were digging graces for those who had hit the wall - many runners flopped head long into a headstoned grave for a photo op!"

Yes, please, this race sounds perfectly awesome, and excellent fun.  The only way I could imagine improving it, would be if you could run between rides - run several kilometers, then enjoy the Pirates of the Caribean ride, before running a few more k's to the next adventure.

Here is some of the sort of info I alway love to read about my bucket-list races while I dream about enetering them one day.

Walt Disney World Marathon Information:

The Walt Disney World® Marathon course takes you through all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks, starting at Epcot, continuing on to the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios before an exhilarating finish back at Epcot.

The Course:

The marathon course takes competitors to the Magic Kingdom Park where they pass through Tomorrowland and Cinderella Castle, then to Walt Disney World Speedway followed by a trip through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where they will run past the Expedition Everest attraction.

After Animal Kingdom the course heads towards the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the Mile 20 Spectacular before entering the lights, camera, and action of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Runners pass through Washington Square Garden, get a taste of the Big Apple on New York Street and pass by the Sorcerer’s Hat before exiting the park at the end of Hollywood Blvd.  Finally, athletes run by the charming coastal village of Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort and through Epcot for to the unforgettable finish!

Beverage Stations and Food Stops:

A total of 21 water stops will be located along the course. All stops offer water and lemon-lime Powerade. There will be four food stops located along the course.

• Chiquita bananas will be available at Mile 11.5 and Mile 18.3  
• Clif products will be distributed at Mile 15.4 and Mile 19.4 
• Sponges will be provided at Mile 17.1
• Lolly’s will be available at Mile 22.5.

Pacing Requirements:

All athletes entering the Marathon and the Half Marathon must be able to maintain a 16-minute per mile (9.9min/km) pace throughout the race. Anyone who is not able to maintain a 16-minute per mile pace may be picked up and transported to the Family Reunion Area at Epcot.

You may be picked up at any point along the course for not maintaining a 16-minute per mile pace. It is suggested that athletes train for a 15-minute per mile (9.3min/km) pace or faster to allow time for breaks (restroom breaks, photo opportunities, etc.). 

Results and Runner Tracking:

The complete list of results for the Marathon will be posted on Sunday evening. Family and friends will be able to track their participants with live online runner tracking also available on runDisney.com. Participants will have the opportunity to send split times via email,  text messaging and PDAs by registering for this service on the website or at the Expo.